Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Place, Environment and Climate Action

Forward Plan Ref: 2025/129

Contact: Chris Stevenson, Planning Operations Manager (Christine.Stevenson@oxfordshire.gov.uk)

Report by Director of Economy and Place (CA8).

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a.    Consider the content of the Infrastructure Funding Statement 2024/25 (Annex 1)

b.    Approve the publication of the report onto the Oxfordshire County Council website

c.    Delegate authority to make any minor amendments to the report prior to its publication to the Director of Economy & Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action

d.    Note and comment on the update provided on the S106 improvement programme (Annex 2)

e.    Note the recommendations from the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee in paragraph 20 of this report

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet had before it a report on the Infrastructure Funding Statement, a statutory statement of fact to be reported annually, by 31 December each year on developer contributions secured, spent and received during the previous financial year, 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025.

Councillor Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action, presented the report. Councillor Roberts outlined the progress made in managing Section 106 funds, noting that £37.8 million was received and £30.3 million spent, which was an improvement over previous years, and described efforts to streamline the process and accelerate project delivery. She explained the legal complexities of Section 106 agreements, which were made at the district level, and the need for careful drafting to facilitate project acceleration.

During discussion, members reflected on past difficulties in accessing Section 106 information, acknowledged improvements, and discussed the importance of spending on schools and infrastructure, while noting that some funds must be held until appropriate timing for projects.

Councillor Roberts moved and Councillor Levy seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to

a.    Consider the content of the Infrastructure Funding Statement 2024/25 (Annex 1)

b.    Approve the publication of the report onto the Oxfordshire County Council website

c.    Delegate authority to make any minor amendments to the report prior to its publication to the Director of Economy & Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Place, Environment and Climate Action

d.    Note and comment on the update provided on the S106 improvement programme (Annex 2)

e.    Note the recommendations from the Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee in paragraph 20 of this report

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